Mountain festivals reach new heights

Ski resorts are upping the alpine ante with large-scale mountain festivals celebrating music, comedy and of course skiing. For the ultimate in apres-ski entertainment, read our guide to the biggest and best snow fests in Europe.

Price? Starts from £299 for five nights' accommodation and festival wristband

What? This five-day music mountain festival in Mayrhofen is billed as "the greatest show on snow". Snowbombing attracts big-name artists and 2018 is no exception. Live acts will include Liam Gallagher, Pendulum, Dizzee Rascal, AJ Tracey, Bicep, Big Narstie, Hak Baker and Ross From Friends.

The music festival takes place across 13 venues including three mountain stages and a nightclub made entirely from snow. The Daily Mail described Snowbombing as "the skiing alternative to Glastonbury".

Snowbombing is sold as an accommodation and entertainment package, meaning the wristband (offering free entrance to the music festival) is included on securing accommodation. After booking, you can add various travel options, including coach transfer from the UK and airport transfers from local airports or take part in the Snowbombing Road Trip. There is also the option to add a selection of optional extras onto your booking, including ski hire, ski lessons and evening meals.

Where? Mayrhofen has one of the liveliest après-ski scenes in the Alps with the numerous all-night bars and nightclubs. The resort is home to the Moozerwirt and Krazy Kangaruh slopeside bars where skiers congregate around 4pm for live music, shots of Jägermeister, and stomping on tables in ski boots (see Best apres-ski bars article). Mayrhofen's ski area offers access to 157 kilometres of pistes linked by 48 lifts. The Super Zillertal pass increases the local ski area to a massive 639 kilometres. It is home to one of the largest snowboard parks in Europe - the Vans Penken Park.

Where? For the third year in a row Snowboxx is landing in Avoriaz, France. Slap bang in the centre of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz (1,800m) has access to some serious terrain – 650km to be exact. The local ski area ain't too shabby either with fast, modern lifts and high, snow-sure slopes receiving around eight metres of powder each winter. Avoriaz is also one of the French greats for freestylers – there are now five snowparks and a super-pipe. It is one of the few pedestrianized resorts in the Alps so you won't see any cars here; sleds, snowcats or horse-drawn sleighs are the only form of transport allowed, and skis of course – the resort’s high-altitude means skiing back to your hotel is the norm.

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What? The Altitude Comedy Festival in Mayrhofen sees the UK's biggest names in comedy performing over six nights at one of the best resorts in Europe. Altitude is the only billingual comedy event in Europe with international performances from some of the biggest stars in comedy. Last year's line-up included Jim Jefferies, Sean Lock, Marcus Brigstocke, Michael Mittermeier, Andrew Maxwell, Stephen K Amos, Daniel Sloss and Joel. The aim is for the whole festival to be carbon neutral and raise awareness of global warming. You can create your own Altitude package including accommodation and wristband, to full trip packages including travel and ski passes.

Where? Mayrhofen has one of the liveliest après-ski scenes in the Alps with the numerous all-night bars and nightclubs. The resort is home to the Moozerwirt and Krazy Kangaruh slopeside bars where skiers congregate around 4pm for live music, shots of Jägermeister, and stomping on tables in ski boots (see Best apres-ski bars article). Mayrhofen's ski area offers access to 157 kilometres of pistes linked by 48 lifts. The Super Zillertal pass increases the local ski area to a massive 639 kilometres. It is home to one of the largest snowboard parks in Europe - the Vans Penken Park.